Private Santa Monica & Venice Tour: 40+ Sights, Beaches, Canals

3 hours

Moderate

Explore the very best of Los Angeles' world-famous coastline on a private experience through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and (on the driving option) Marina del Rey. From the end of historic Route 66 and the iconic Santa Monica Pier to Venice's colorful boardwalk, canals, street art, surf culture, celebrity spots, hidden gems, you'll discover the many sides of California coastal life in one unforgettable journey.
Unlike typical beach tours, this experience combines history, architecture, oceanfront scenery, local culture, photography, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Enjoy Pacific views, Venice's creative spirit, beautiful canals, palm-lined streets, famous landmarks, and insider stories while exploring the places that define Southern California.
Choose between a walking tour of Santa Monica and Venice or a driving experience that also includes Marina del Rey—home to North America's largest man-made small-craft harbor, luxury yachts, waterfront neighborhoods, and hidden marina gems.
What's included?
    Exclusive private experience — personalized, flexible, and designed entirely around your group
    Explore 40+ landmarks, hidden gems, coastal highlights, cultural sites, canals, piers
    Explore Santa Monica Pier, Route 66, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice Canals, Abbot Kinney Boulevard
    Downtown Santa Monica, Coastal Santa Monica, Venice Beach, the Venice Canals, Abbot Kinney District
    California beach lifestyle, surf culture, history, architecture, art, hidden gems, and local stories
    Discover both iconic attractions and lesser-known local spots most visitors never find on their own
    30+ iconic California-style photo opportunities at Santa Monica and Venice's most scenic locations
    Expert local guide sharing fascinating stories, insider knowledge, and local secrets on private tour
    Flexible pace tailored to your interests and preferred style of exploration
    Personalized recommendations for restaurants, cafes, shopping, beaches, sunset spots
    Explore up to 55+ landmarks across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey (3-hour Driving Tour only)
    Includes Fisherman's Village, Marina del Rey Harbor, harbor views (3-hour Driving Tour only)
    Ideal for travelers seeking maximum comfort, minimal walking (3-hour Driving Tour only)
    Exclusions
    • Tip or gratuity
    Food and drinks
    Gratuities
    Please note
    • Stroller / pram accessible
    • Animals or pets allowed
    • Public transportation nearby
    • Infants must sit on your lap
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Infant seats unavailable
    • This is a private experience designed exclusively for your group, allowing for a flexible pace and personalized attention throughout the tour.
    • The itinerary is designed to showcase as many highlights as possible; however, the number of sights visited may vary depending on your preferred pace and time spent at each location.
    • Designed for travelers who want to go beyond typical sightseeing routes and discover Santa Monica and Venice through local stories, hidden gems, and neighborhood insights.
    • Unlike many tours that focus primarily on the boardwalk, this experience combines iconic landmarks, coastal viewpoints, local culture, architecture, history, art, and lesser-known discoveries in one seamless journey.
    • The 3-hour Driving Tour additionally includes Marina del Rey, offering access to waterfront viewpoints, luxury yachts, Fisherman's Village, and hidden marina gems rarely included on standard tours. (3-hour Driving Tour with Marina del Rey only)
    • A moderate amount of walking is required, with frequent stops for sightseeing, storytelling, photos, and short breaks throughout the experience. Walking is significantly reduced on the Driving Tour option. (Driving Tour option only)
    • Ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience the highlights, as well as returning travelers looking to discover a different side of Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey. (Marina del Rey included on 3-hour Driving Tour only
    • Many locations featured on the tour have appeared in films, television shows, travel publications, and social media content viewed around the world.
    • The route includes some of the area's most photogenic locations, with numerous opportunities for memorable photos throughout the experience.
    • Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a bottle of water are recommended.
    • Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey are constantly evolving communities, and the route may occasionally be adjusted due to local events, festivals, filming activity, construction, or temporary closures. (Marina del Rey included on 3-hour Driving Tour only)
    • Perfect for beach lovers, photographers, architecture enthusiasts, culture seekers, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy discovering hidden gems.
    • Your guide will be happy to provide personalized recommendations for restaurants, cafés, rooftop bars, beaches, shopping, and additional local experiences after the tour.
    What to bring